The article from the Shepherdstown Chronicle discusses a lecture by cybersecurity expert Harriet Pearson, who addressed the implications of widespread artificial intelligence (AI) use. Here is a summary of the key points:
1. **Lecture Setting**: The event took place at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education, where community members and Shepherd University students gathered to learn about AI implications.
2. **Speaker Background**: Harriet Pearson, founder and CEO of Axia Advisory LLC, is a cybersecurity and data governance consultant. She has experience as an adjunct lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and Georgetown University.
3. **AI Definition**: Pearson defined AI broadly, encompassing tasks where computers perform actions that typically require human intelligence. She noted that the history of AI dates back to the 1950s.
4. **AI Risks**: Pearson highlighted numerous risks associated with AI, including:
– **Data Quality**: The quality and potential bias in the data used to train AI systems.
– **Algorithmic Errors**: The possibility of algorithms making incorrect decisions based on flawed data.
– **System-Level Risks**: The broader implications of how AI systems are governed and managed.
– **Bias in Decision-Making**: The risk of AI perpetuating human biases in decision-making processes.
5. **Industry Impact**: Pearson mentioned that while AI will have positive impacts across various industries, it will also introduce significant challenges. She noted that industries like medicine and law will be slow to adopt AI due to its potential inaccuracies.
6. **Data Bias and Poisoning**: Pearson emphasized the importance of ensuring data is free from bias and the risk of data poisoning, where malicious actors intentionally corrupt information to manipulate AI outputs.
7. **Public Interaction with AI**: She advised the public to be cautious when interacting with AI, particularly in light of the spread of misinformation through AI-generated images and information about political candidates online.
Overall, the lecture aimed to educate the audience about the complexities and risks associated with the increasing use of AI, encouraging careful consideration and governance to mitigate these risks.
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